Norwegian Embassy in Riga

Do you know your first aid? It can make all the difference.
In the latest issue of Latvijas Avīze, Norway’s Ambassador to Latvia, Ine Måreng, highlights a simple but important message: anyone can provide first aid – and that’s what strengthens society as a whole.
Read the article 👉 https://lasi.lv/par-svarigo/projekti/ine-morenga-ikviens-var-sniegt-pirmo-palidzibu.42905

Norsk Førstehjelpsråd Neatliekamās medicīniskās palīdzības dienests

✨ Don't miss the chance to experience the powerful works of artists ASTRID ARDAGH (Norway) and ISTVAN VIRAG (Hungary/Norway) at the Riga Photography Biennial 2026 central exhibition "Zoom In: Ecology".

🌏 Curated by the founder of the Riga Photography Biennial Inga Brūvere (1963–2026) 🕊️ and Marie Sjøvold 🇳🇴, these thought-provoking works challenge how we view our dependence on modern technology. Their themes are eye-opening and deeply relevant to the world we live in today.

📡 Astrid Ardagh – "On Air"
An artist and filmmaker from Northern Norway, Astrid presents a poetic and exploratory short documentary about an old-fashioned radio amateur club operating amidst the impressive landscapes of Northern Norway. It unexpectedly comes to the rescue when a Russian cyberattack paralyses the life of a community completely dependent on internet and satellite technologies.

🌲 Istvan Virag – "Image may contain: hill station, sky and outdoor"
What is the true cost of the data industry? Inspired by Google’s acquisition of a massive forest area in Norway to build one of Northern Europe's largest data centers, the artist draws in this visual essay a striking parallel between historical colonialism and today's data industry - colonization of not just nature, but the human nature itself.

👁️✨ Come and see the world through a different lens!

📅 On display until June 14
📍 Riga Contemporary Art Space, Main Gallery, Kungu Street 3
🌐 makslastelpa.riga.lv

📸: excerpts from the works “On Air” by Astrid Ardagh and “Image may contain: hill station, sky and outdoor” by Istvan Virag



Office for Contemporary Art Norway

Norway is allocating NOK 30 million to the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to trace missing persons as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The funding will, inter alia, support efforts to trace missing Ukrainian children and their family members who may have been abducted to Russia.
“As if living in the midst of war were not hard enough, many families are left without knowing what has happened to their loved ones. It is particularly grave that many of those affected are children,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The ICRC collects, registers and exchanges information in order to reunite families and clarify what has happened to those reported missing.

According to the UN system, Ukrainian authorities and independent research institutions, several thousand Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or abducted to Russia or Russian‑controlled territories, a serious violation of international humanitarian law and children’s rights.

Reports from the UN system and research institutions such as the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) have documented systematic transfers of Ukrainian children, including adoption and so‑called “re‑education” in Russia. “The abduction of children is among the most serious abuses we are seeing in this war. Children must never be used as pawns in an armed conflict,” said Mr Eide.

On 11 May, the EU is hosting an international conference on abducted children in Brussels, where State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson will take part. Norway has been clear in its condemnation of these actions and supports both political and humanitarian efforts. “Our message is clear: those responsible for these abuses must be held to account. At the same time, we will do what we can to help bring the children home,” said the Minister.

In total, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been allocated NOK 233 million from the Nansen Support Programme for 2026, with NOK 30 million earmarked for the ICRC’s Central Tracing Agency. The agency aims to prevent disappearances and alleviate the suffering of families who have lost contact with loved ones.

Norway also supports UNICEF’s work to establish a register of Ukrainian children who have been taken captive and to run centres for children who have returned to Ukraine, helping safeguard their best interests and prevent further trauma.

The new funding is part of Norway’s long‑term humanitarian engagement in Ukraine, with a strong focus on protecting vulnerable children and civilians affected by the war.

International Committee of the Red Cross

Norway allocates millions to trace missing persons Norway is allocating NOK 30 million to the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to trace missing persons as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

🇳🇴 🎬 Norwegian Film Evenings at Cinema “K. Suns”
The Norwegian Embassy in Riga, in cooperation with Ksuns/Kinogalerija and Norwegian films, invites you to celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day with a cinematic journey featuring four Norwegian films: SONGS OF EARTH, MUNCH, NINJABABY, EVERYBODY HATES JOHAN

📍 Cinema “K. Suns”, 83/85 Elizabetes Street, Riga
📅 May 18-21 at 18:30
🎬 Films in Norwegian with Latvian translation
👉 Admission free, ticket booking and full program at www.kinogalerija.lv

Bring your friends, book your tickets, and enjoy the movies! 🎬✨